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Morning Briefing April 24, 2021: COVID hospitalizations rise among Michigan children, predicting who might run against Gov. Whitmer in 2022 election

Here are this morning’s top stories:

(WJXT)

‘We are in a public health crisis’: More children being hospitalized due to COVID

Pediatric COVID-19 hospitalization rates increased by 311% between Feb. 19 and April 20 in Michigan, according to data from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. The data shows that the number of children hospitalized with severe COVID-19 symptoms hit a high of 70 this week.

There are 1,500 pediatric COVID cases diagnosed every day.

See the full report here.


Dispose of your unused medicine today for National Drug Take Back Day

For some households, the medicine cabinet can be a deadly drug dealer, which is why the Drug Enforcement Agency is partnering with the Detroit Police Department and the Love Detroit Prevention Coalition to increase collection efforts across Metro Detroit.

To help ensure your unused medications don’t get in the wrong hands and potentially harm someone, you can drop them off at locations in Southgate, Inkster and several Detroit sites.

Learn more here.


2022 gubernatorial election: Who will challenge Michigan Gov. Whitmer?

It’s still early in the process but some names are already being floated among the Republican Party for Michigan’s 2022 gubernatorial election.

Politico recently reported that Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel has considered running for governor, challenging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“People want to test the waters. They want to see what the reaction would be,” said political strategist Dennis Darnoi. “Does it excite donors and the grassroots? Is there pushback?”

See more here.


Michigan to move forward with administering Johnson & Johnson vaccine after pause lifted

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Panel voted to lift the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause and recommended its use in those age 18 and older.

Now the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is recommending providers to resume use, vaccinating residents 18 and older.

Learn more here.


Weather: Cool Saturday start with afternoon rain


Looking for COVID-19 vaccines in Metro Detroit: Track openings, clinics, appointments


Coronavirus in Michigan 💉

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 814,622 as of Thursday, including 17,168 deaths, state officials report.

Friday’s update includes a total of 5,031 new cases and 29 additional deaths. On Thursday, the state reported 809,591 total cases and 17,139 deaths.

Testing has been steady around 35,000 diagnostic tests reported per day on average, with the 7-day positive rate just below 13% as of Friday, lower than one week ago. Hospitalizations have increased over the last several weeks, now at the highest point of the pandemic.

Michigan continues to lead the nation in new COVID-19 cases. The state’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 4,978 on Friday -- the highest since December, but lower than two weeks ago. The 7-day death average was 55 on Friday, slightly higher than the last two weeks. The state’s fatality rate is 2.1%. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 194,500 on Friday.

More than 603,000 have recovered from the virus in Michigan.

Michigan has reported more than 6.3 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered as of Friday, with 47.3% of residents having received at least one dose.

Here’s a look at more of the data:


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About the Author
Cassidy Johncox headshot

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

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